Happy African Day!

There have been many things going on the past couple of days, with very minimal internet access. Consequently, there will be a couple of posts done at a time chunking my thoughts…

Some things that we have been talking about in lecture:

Wealth is a lifestyle here. Prominent in west Cape Town, these people integrate their wealth into every aspect of living. It is a “tale of two cities” here. As you move just 15 minutes from these specific communities, you run into extreme poverty and outside these communities are the Cape flats were the poverty only gets worse. I am curious to explore this further in the townships. How do the people in the townships perceive those of wealth? Is there tension? What are their feelings on the concept?  Another point that was mentioned was the fact that there is a large link between faith and socioeconomic status. It becomes an extremely powerful way for communities and families in poverty to build community, feel safe, express their beliefs, and have unification in such a poor environment that has minimal resources.

Biggest challenges that South Africa is facing:

                Unemployment: 30% in town and approximately 40% in townships

                Health: HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis

                Crime and Housing

Although these challenges and continuing issues are prominent here, they are everywhere. Not necessarily to these extents but they are obstacles that most communities need to address. What are the ways that Americans deal with these issues and how are they different from how they deal with the issues here? Would the way Americans cope with the problems relevant to these communities?

One repetitive concept that we have seen throughout the entire trip was to BE MINDFUL. It is important to be aware of what you are doing, what you are saying and who are you doing these things with. Being culturally humble is essential to interacting with the community and its members here. By doing so, one is able to dive deeper the lives that these people live daily. It provides the opportunity is ask the right questions as the right/appropriate times and receive honest answers. When people know that you are genuine and respectful of the differences in the relationship, it is easier to build a concrete relationship and know that the benefits stemming from the relationship are reciprocal and at their full potential.

We continue to have extensive discussion on adaptive leadership. Are we adapting to this country and their norms or are we simply comparing it to our American norms?  Are these changes “weird or wrong” or just “different?” This is a challenge for me this first week. I find myself comparing things when really shouldn’t be comparison. It is just different. However, I have gotten better at recognizing when I am doing it. I can then ask myself, “Is the American view or norm relevant here? Does is coincide with the culture?” We need to recognize that these changes are not weird or wrong but simply a different way of living and a different perspective of life. One example that Aaron mentioned that has really stuck with me is about the safety here. Safety was a major pre-departure issue of mine that I continually visited. However, after these discussion and some exposure to the community, am I really unsafe or is this just a different environment with unique people? Why do I think that I am in danger? Why do I judge the country and look at the statistics when the experience tells more truth? The issue is slowly dissipated with the more exposure and immersion I get here. Although awareness of my surroundings is a constant, the fear of danger and negative activity is minimal.

Recently we have had a brief history lesson. I know, it sounds like a complete bore, but in reality it was one of the most interesting lectures that I have had in my entire college career. Alan, one of our amazing instructors, had such a special way of talking. He is so enthusiastic with his words that the topic that it would be difficult not be intrigued. The lecture definitely helped put the country into perspective of how exactly it can to be where it is today (in an extremely concise manner making it much easier to understand). The way Alan spoke gave me the impression that many South Africans really and truly appreciate knowing the countries extensive background. This way, they can make more sense of who they are and where they come from. It really made me think of why I don’t know more about America. I feel guilty about it. Who were my ancestors and what significant events led them to where we are today? …and why don’t I know about it.

A big part of the African culture is music. There are many different genres that can either be dividing or work to unify the human family. Another national building aspect of South African culture is sports. It is binding. The World Cup was an example of the expanding unification of this county. What are unifying things (other than sports) that Americans use to bring people together? How do we move beyond our past hard-times?

Music Guests:

We had the opportunity to listen to some guest speakers about the different music selections that South African. Being the big music fan that I am, this lecture was very interesting. We will be receiving the list of genres and music selections that were provided, so I will update you when we get the chance. Many of the songs they provided us with reminded me the parts in movies that are uplifting or positive things are happening. They reminded me of my grandparents and the things they used to share with me and the cd’s they listened to. While the speakers were describing these genres and providing examples, you could sense the passion dripping off their words and emotions they felt as they listened to the music. Ti showed just how important music is to the African culture. They reinforced the fact that it can either further the division of people or work toward the unification. They emphasized the fact that singer and song writers use their unique form of music to express hardships, talking through emotion, share their roots, and explore a community and its struggles as well as a tool of expression and reflection. Music is a large part of my life and I use it when the feeling is right, to help reflect, listen to the lyrics and relate them to my life. It is both individual and community building. It can help a person through their personal struggles or help a community build a common bond.

Although I wasn’t thrilled about the lection portion of the trip, it turns out it really aids in the reflecting process and understanding of why I am here and how it can change my life.